Rolled ice cream, also known as Thai rolled ice cream, stir-fried ice cream, and marble-top ice cream, is a sweetened frozen dessert.
Made popular through photo-sharing platforms such as Instagram, these sweet treats appear as little swirls of ice cream clustered together in a small cup, covered in colourful toppings.
In this article, we shed light into its history, the unique process of making it, and how it differs from regular ice cream.
Where did rolled ice cream originate?
It is widely believed that rolled ice cream originated from Thailand in 2009. Due to its growing popularity, it spread throughout Asia in the early 2010’s thanks to viral videos posted across social media.
Soon after, the food sensation spread throughout major cities in the United States and is now a popular dessert across the world.
The process of making rolled ice cream
A liquid ice cream base is poured onto a metal disc or plate called an ‘ice pan’ that is kept at temperatures below freezing. Once the liquid hits the surface, it begins to freeze.
The preparer must be quick whilst this liquid freezes and begins to manipulate the cream with a pair of metal spatulas, spreading it evenly across the entire surface of the pan. Depending on the recipe, the preparer adds any additional ingredients to the mixture.
Once the ice cream freezes, the preparer uses his spatula to scoop the ice cream into rolled strips. The rolls are then put into paper ice cream cups and served to customers.
What is the difference between rolled ice cream and regular ice cream?
Rolled ice cream is not pulled from frozen buckets by the scoop like regular ice cream. Instead, its liquid base is poured onto a frozen pan and then chopped, mixed, spread, and rolled.
Although it takes more time to prepare, many describe a different texture when eating rolled ice cream. It mainly provides more customisation with toppings that can be added while the preparer is manipulating the ice cream on the pan.
Can you make ice cream rolls at home?
You certainly can. There are various tutorials and recipes to guide you online.
The ingredients of rolled ice cream
Like traditional ice cream, ice cream rolls come in a wide variety of flavours. Some of the most popular flavours include:
- Cookies ‘n crème
- Strawberry
- Chocolate
- Pistachio
- Mango
- Vanilla
- Coffee
Besides selecting a base flavour, people can choose from a limitless mix-ins and toppings. Popular toppings include:
- Fresh fruits: strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, bananas, mangoes, etc.
- Nuts: almonds, cashews, hazelnuts, pistachios, peanuts, walnuts, etc.
- Sweets and chocolate: chocolate chips, M&Ms and assorted chocolates, assorted chocolate bars, marshmallows, gummy bears, etc.
- Biscuits: Oreos, crackers, digestive biscuits, etc.
- Sauces: chocolate, strawberry, caramel, white chocolate, etc.
- Sprinkles: edible rainbow sprinkles, chocolate sprinkles, etc.
FAQs
This frozen dessert originated in Thailand under the name "Thai rolled ice cream" or "stir-fried ice cream" (I-Tim-Pad). By 2015, the United States picked up on the trend and the dessert is now known there as "rolled ice cream" or "ice cream rolls".
What is the science behind rolled ice cream? ›
The plate is at a freezing temperature, so when the liquid ice cream mix is poured onto the plate, it very quickly freezes. The operator then scrapes it off the plate, a bit like a pancake would be lifted, but allowing the frozen ice cream to form a roll as it is removed from the plate.
What is a fun fact about rolled ice cream? ›
Roll Ice Cream contains less sugar than traditional ice cream; which can immediately mean less calories per serving. Rolled Ice Cream has no air is added into the mix (ie whipping), which makes it denser than that tradition ice cream severed in scoops.
What is the big deal about rolled ice cream? ›
As it's not churned by a machine, but is instead mixed by hand directly on the freezing pans, less air is introduced into the mixture. This can result in a slightly denser texture and a more intense flavour. As the rolls are thin, they're still easy to eat and have that irresistible melt-in-the-mouth sensation.
Is rolled ice cream profitable? ›
Rolled ice cream for private hire is very profitable. If you have enough events booked, you can expect a return on your investment in as little as a few weeks.
Who thought of rolled ice cream? ›
It is widely believed that rolled ice cream originated from Thailand in 2009. Due to its growing popularity, it spread throughout Asia in the early 2010's thanks to viral videos posted across social media.
How many calories are in rolled ice cream? ›
Ice Cream Roll (1 ice cream roll (12 oz)) contains 136.7g total carbs, 132g net carbs, 48.9g fat, 14.8g protein, and 1010 calories.
Who invented ice cream? ›
The origins of ice cream, sorbet and other chilled dairy treats are difficult to pin down—but span back to antiquity. According to popular legend, ice cream was invented by the ancient Chinese, brought to Italy by Marco Polo, to France by Catherine de Medici, and thence to America by Thomas Jefferson.
Why does ice cream not freeze? ›
As the ice cream mixture is cooled down, some of the water freezes and forms ice crystals. The concentration of sugar increases in the rest of the water, lowering the freezing point of the sugar-water solution – just like the salt in the example above. As a result, the ice cream stays soft.
What holds ice cream together? ›
Emulsifiers keep everything together over time, making sure the texture of the ice cream keeps. Egg yolks are the most common emulsifier, and they work, but they're not the best. A common - and better - emulsifier for ice cream is soy lecithin, which can be derived from soybeans, sunflowers and rapeseed.
The amount of air added to ice cream is known as overrun.
What is the surprising history of ice cream? ›
The origins of ice cream can be traced back to at least the 4th century B.C.E. Early references include the Roman emperor Nero (37-68 C.E.), who ordered ice to be brought from the mountains and combined with fruit toppings. King Tang (618-97 C.E.) of Shang, China had a method of creating ice and milk concoctions.
How much profit does a rolled ice cream truck make? ›
On an average summer day, the sales for your ice cream truck can fluctuate between $200 and $500. If you halve the gross, your daily net profit hovers around the average. You can earn a weekly net profit of $750 or a gross profit of $1,500 if you can sell $300 worth of goods five days a week.
Where was cream roll invented? ›
Cream horns, or cream rolls, have many different variations and have been adopted by several different countries. Apparently invented in Austria in the 1600s, they are known there as Schaumrollen or Schillerlocken.
Where did the history of ice cream come from? ›
The origins of ice cream, sorbet and other chilled dairy treats are difficult to pin down—but span back to antiquity. According to popular legend, ice cream was invented by the ancient Chinese, brought to Italy by Marco Polo, to France by Catherine de Medici, and thence to America by Thomas Jefferson.
Who started the fruit roll up ice cream trend? ›
Golnar Ghavami, who goes by @golisdream on social media, started the trend in February after posting a video of herself assembling and eating it on TikTok. In an interview with TODAY.com, the Los Angeles local says she decided to make this dessert — which she's been eating for years — after coming home from a party.
